Environmental enrichment results in both brain connectivity efficiency and selective improvement in different behavioral tasks

Exposure to environmental enrichment (EE) has been a useful model for studying the effects of experience on brain plasticity, but to date, few is known about the impact of this condition on the brain functional networks that probably underlies the multiple behavioral improvements. Hence, we assessed the effect of an EE protocol in adult Wistar rats on the performance in several behavioral tasks testing different domains (Open field (OP): locomotor activity; Elevated-zero maze (EZM): anxiety-related behaviors; 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT): attentional processes; 4-arm radial water maze (4-RAWM): spatial memory) in order to check its effectiveness in a wide range of functions. After this, we analyzed the functional brain connectivity underlying each experimental condition through cytochrome C oxidase (COx) histochemistry. Our EE protocol reduced both locomotor activity in the OP and anxiety-related behaviors in the EZM. On the other hand, enriched rats showed more accuracy in the 4-RAWM, whereas 5-CSRTT performance was not significantly ameliorated by EE condition. In relation to COx functional connectivity, we found that EE reduced the number of strong positive correlations both in basal and training conditions, suggesting a modulating effect on specific brain connections. Our results suggest that EE seems to have a selective effect on specific brain regions, such as prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, leading to a more efficient brain connectivity.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. PPIT.UMA.B1.2017/3

Validation of Cod maturity ogive in NAFO 3M. Effect of the reproductive ccycle moment on ogive estimation.

The Flemish Cap (FC) survey is the source of the Atlantic cod maturity data for SSB estimation. FC survey takes place when females are resting and discrimination between spawning active and inactive females is still possible testing the presence of postovulatory follicles, that remains several months after spawning. However, the best moment for discriminate active spawning females is during the spawning season. For 2012 and 2014, the maturity ogives calculated during the spawning season and when females are resting were compared. Assuming a seasonal growth for cod in 3M, the moment in which maturity is estimated, had no effect on the ogives estimation. Thus, it is recommended to continue employing in the 3M cod assessment the maturity ogives produced with the FC survey information

The Relationship between Binge Drinking and Binge Eating in Adolescence and Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Adolescence and youth are critical periods in which alcohol consumption is usually initiated, especially in the form of binge drinking. In recent years, it is increasingly common to find adolescents and young people who also present binge behaviors towards unhealthy food with the aim of alleviating their anxiety (emotional eating) and/or because of impulsive personality. Despite the social and health relevance of this issue, it remains scarcely studied and more preventive research needs to be developed. Our meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the relationship and co-occurrence of both binge behaviors during adolescence and young adulthood to clarify the link between binge drinking and eating. Selective literature search on different online databases was performed. We identified discrete but significant results regarding the direct association between binge drinking and binge eating in correlation coefficients and odds ratio. Future research should focus on the common psychological background and motives behind these problematic behaviors owing to their clinical implications for effective prevention and treatment

Characterization of Spatiooral Cardiac Action Potential Variability at Baseline and under ß-Adrenergic Stimulation by Combined Unscented Kalman Filter and Double Greedy Dimension Reduction

Objective: Elevated spatiooral variability of human ventricular repolarization has been related to increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, particularly under ß-adrenergic stimulation (ß-AS). This work presents a methodology for theoretical characterization of temporal and spatial repolarization variability at baseline conditions and in response to ß-AS. For any measured voltage trace, the proposed methodology estimates the parameters and state variables of an underlying human ventricular action potential (AP) model by combining Double Greedy Dimension Reduction (DGDR) with automatic selection of biomarkers and the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF). Such theoretical characterization can facilitate subsequent characterization of underlying variability mechanisms. Material and Methods: Given an AP trace, initial estimates for the ionic conductances in a stochastic version of the baseline human ventricular O'Hara et al. model were obtained by DGDR. Those estimates served to initialize and update model parameter estimates by the UKF method based on formulation of an associated nonlinear state-space representation and joint estimation of model parameters and state variables. Similarly, ß-AS-induced phosphorylation levels of cellular substrates were estimated by the DGDR-UKF methodology. Performance was tested by building an experimentally-calibrated population of virtual cells, from which synthetic AP traces were generated for baseline and ß-AS conditions. Results: The combined DGDR-UKF methodology led to 25% reduction in the error associated with estimation of ionic current conductances at baseline conditions and phosphorylation levels under ß-AS with respect to individual DGDR and UKF methods. This improvement was not at the expense of higher computational load, which was diminished by 90% with respect to the individual UKF method. Both temporal and spatial AP variability of repolarization were accurately characterized by the DGDR-UKF methodology. Conclusions: A combined DGDR-UKF methodology is proposed for parameter and state variable estimation of human ventricular cell models from available AP traces at baseline and under ß-AS. This methodology improves the estimation performance and reduces the convergence time with respect to individual DGDR and UKF methods and renders a suitable approach for computational characterization of spatiooral repolarization variability to be used for ascertainment of variability mechanisms and its relation to arrhythmogenesis

Comparación de la actividad nocturna de poblaciones de artibeus obscurus (chiroptera: phyllostomidae) que habitan en construcciones humanas y cuevas, en el departamento de sucre, Colombia

During twelve months (May 2008-May 2009) fifteen samplings with fog nets (12x2) were made in the neighborhoods of diverse human constructions (houses, companies, university) of the municipality of Sincelejo, department of Sucre and ten samplings in the neighborhoods of the cave of the municipality of San Antonio de Palmito and in the cave of the eco-tourist center Roca Madre in Toluviejo, both in the department of Sucre. The samplings were made in the period between 18:00 and the 06:00. The nets were checked each ½ hour and each individual was classified, the hour was noted down and sex and the reproductive condition were determined. Four periods of nighttime activities were considered, between 18:00 and 20:59; 21:00 and 23:59; 00:00 and 2:59 and 03:00 and 06:00. Differences in the activity schedules of the individuals of both types of refuge were observed in relation with the period (dry and rain) and sex. This might be related to the different conditions of competition for the area control in each case, as well as with the energy-giving necessities of the species. When analyzing the activity of females with different reproductive condition a different behavior was observed in each group and simultaneously similar for both types of refuge, which could constitute a mechanism of protection for the young, since they never remain alone inside the refuges.Durante doce meses (mayo 2008-mayo 2009) se realizaron 15 muestreos con redes de niebla de 12x2 en las cercanías de diversas construcciones humanas (viviendas, empresas, universidad) del municipio de Sincelejo, departamento de Sucre y 10 muestreos en las cercanías de la cueva del municipio de San Antonio de Palmito y de la cueva del centro ecoturístico Roca Madre, en Toluviejo, ambas en el departamento de Sucre. Los muestreos se hicieron en el período comprendido entre las 18:00 y las 06:00. Las redes eran revisadas cada ½ hora y se clasificaba cada ejemplar, se anotaba la hora y se determinaba el sexo y la condición reproductiva. Se consideraron 4 períodos de actividad nocturna, entre las 18:00 y las 20:59; entre las 21:00 y las 23:59; entre 00:00 y las 02:59 y entre las 03:00 y las 06:00. Se observaron diferencias en los horarios de actividad de los individuos de los dos tipos de refugio en relación con el período (lluvia y seca) y el sexo, lo que posiblemente esté relacionado con las diferentes condiciones de competencia por el espacio en cada caso, así como con las necesidades energéticas de la especie. Al analizar la actividad para las hembras con diferente condición reproductiva se observó un comportamiento diferente para cada grupo y a la vez similar para los dos tipos de refugio, lo que pudiera constituir un mecanismo de protección de las crías, ya que nunca permanecen solas en el interior de los refugios

The presence of a social stimulus reduces cocaine seeking in a place preference conditioning paradigm.

BACKGROUND: One challenge in the treatment of substance use disorders is to re-engage the interest toward non-drug-related activities. Among these activities, social interaction has had a prominent role due to its positive influence on treatment outcome. AIMS AND METHODS: Our aim was to study whether the presence of a social stimulus during the cocaine-induced conditioned place preference test was able to reduce the time spent in the drug-paired compartment. For that purpose, mice were trained for four days on a conditioned place preference task with one compartment paired with cocaine and the opposite with saline. On the test day, we introduced an unfamiliar juvenile male mouse into the saline-conditioned compartment (inside a pencil cup) to analyse the animal preference towards the two rewarding stimuli (cocaine vs mouse). Additionally, to discard the possible effect of novelty, as well as the housing condition (social isolation) on social preference, we decided to include a novel object during the test session, as well as perform the same conditioned place preference protocol with a group of animals in social housing conditions. RESULTS: The social stimulus was able to reduce the preference for cocaine and enhance the active interaction with the juvenile mouse (sniffing) compared to the empty pencil cup paired with the drug. The introduction of a novel object during the test session did not reduce the preference for the cocaine-paired compartment, and interestingly, the preference for the social stimulus was independent of the housing condition. c-Fos immunohistochemistry revealed a different pattern of activation based on cocaine-paired conditioning or the presence of social stimulus. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that social interaction could constitute a valuable component in the treatment of substance use disorders by reducing the salience of the drug.Plan Propio 2017 – ‘Ayudas para proyectos dirigidos por jóvenes investigadores’, PPIT.UMA.B1.2017/38. Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Assessing synergies and trade-offs of diverging Paris-compliant mitigation strategies with long-term SDG objectives

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement are the two transformative agendas, which set the benchmarks for nations to address urgent social, economic and environmental challenges. Aside from setting long-term goals, the pathways followed by nations will involve a series of synergies and trade-offs both between and within these agendas. Since it will not be possible to optimise across the 17 SDGs while simultaneously transitioning to low-carbon societies, it will be necessary to implement policies to address the most critical aspects of the agendas and understand the implications for the other dimensions. Here, we rely on a modelling exercise to analyse the long-term implications of a variety of Paris-compliant mitigation strategies suggested in the recent scientific literature on multiple dimensions of the SDG Agenda. The strategies included rely on technological solutions such as renewable energy deployment or carbon capture and storage, nature-based solutions such as afforestation and behavioural changes in the demand side. Results for a selection of energy-environment SDGs suggest that some mitigation pathways could have negative implications on food and water prices, forest cover and increase pressure on water resources depending on the strategy followed, while renewable energy shares, household energy costs, ambient air pollution and yield impacts could be improved simultaneously while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, results indicate that promoting changes in the demand side could be beneficial to limit potential trade-offs

Highlighting the role of cognitive and brain reserve in the substance use disorder field

Author manuscriptBackground: Cognitive reserve (CR) refers to the ability of an individual to cope with brain pathology remaining free of cognitive symptoms. This protective factor has been related to compensatory and more efficient brain mechanisms involved in resisting brain damage. For its part, Brain reserve (BR) refers to individual differences in the structural properties of the brain which could also make us more resilient to suffer from neurodegenerative and mental diseases. Objective: This review summarizes how this construct, mainly mediated by educational level, occupational attainment, physical and mental activity, as well as successful social relationships, has gained scientific attention in the last years with regard to diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, stroke or traumatic brain injury. Nevertheless, although CR has been studied in a large number of disorders, few researches have addressed the role of this concept in drug addiction. Methods: We provide a selective overview of recent literature about the role of CR and BR in preventing substance use onset. Likewise, we will also discuss how variables involved in CR (healthy leisure, social support or job- related activities, among others) could be trained and included as complementary activities of substance use disorder treatments. Results: Evidence about this topic suggests a preventive role of CR and BR on drug use onset and when drug addiction is established, these factors led to less severe addiction-related problems, as well as better treatment outcomes. Conclusion: CR and BR are variables not taken yet into account in drug addiction. However, they could give us a valuable information about people at risk, as well as patient’s prognosis.This study was funded by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO, Agencia Estatal de Investigación) cofounded by the European Research Development Fund -AEI/FEDER, UE- (PSI2015-73156-JIN to E.C.O.; PSI2017-82604R to L.J.S.) and from University of Malaga (Plan Propio 2017 – ‘Ayudas para proyectos dirigidos por jóvenes investigadores’, PPIT.UMA.B1.2017/38 to P.S.P.). Author D.L.G.M. holds a ‘FPU’ grant from the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (code: FPU13/04819). Author E.C.O. holds a ‘Jóvenes Investigadores’ grant (code: PSI2015-73156-JIN) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Agencia Estatal de Investigación) co-funded by FEDER, UE. Author P.S.P. holds a ‘Juan de la Cierva-formación’ grant from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (code: FJCI-2015-23925)

Development of nanolubricant based on impregnated multilayer graphene for automotive applications: Analysis of tribological properties

[EN] This paper shows novel formulations of nanolubricants added with multi-layer graphene (MLG), multi-layer graphene impregnated with copper (MLG-Cu), and multi-layer graphene impregnated with polyaniline (MLG-PANI) for applications in automotive engines. These nanofluids were prepared using commercial motor oil as the base fluid. The tribological properties were measured at 100 degrees C, and significant reductions were found in the coefficient of friction and wear. The concentrations used were 0.5% and 2% by weight, obtaining reductions in the friction coefficient and wear of up to 43% and 63%, respectively, in the case of motor oil with copper-impregnated graphene. All formulations of MLG, MLG-Cu, and MLG-PANI did not show any sedimentation when dispersed in engine oil, even three months after being produced. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.The authors would like to thank Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM) through the focus group of Energy and Climate Change for the support of this project and CONACYT for funding the stay at the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (UPV).Ramon-Raygoza, E.; Rivera-Solorio, C.; Giménez Torres, E.; Maldonado-Cortes, D.; Cardenas-Aleman, E.; Cué-Sampedro, R. (2016). Development of nanolubricant based on impregnated multilayer graphene for automotive applications: Analysis of tribological properties. Powder Technology. 302:363-371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2016.08.072S36337130